The blue and yellow flag flies again in Kherson. Ukrainians widely celebrated the recapture of the city from Russian forces on Friday, after almost nine months of conflict. The scenes of jubilation have multiplied in the country, especially in Kherson and Kyiv, amid tears, songs and the uncorking of champagne bottles.
Soldiers greeted as heroes
The images have gone viral on social media. The Ukrainians, wrapped in a large flag, shout victory. After the announcement of this military success, joy reigns in the country.
Ukrainian troops receive a hero’s welcome in Kherson on Friday as soldiers try to push their way through cheering crowds. Some members of the armed forces are even carried away in triumph by the protesters.
“Ukrainian Armed Forces!” the inhabitants proclaim.
Spontaneous rally in Kyiv
In the evening, hundreds of people spontaneously gather in Kyiv at Maiden Square, the iconic national square, to celebrate this success by singing the Ukrainian anthem and various patriotic songs, according to our special correspondents on the spot.
“Long live Ukraine!” “Kherson, it’s Ukraine,” the protesters chanted in unison.
Some open bottles of champagne in a decidedly festive atmosphere, a symbol of unity in the country.
“We all cry”
“Finally my free city, where I was born, where I have lived all my life,” 17-year-old Nastia Stepenska told AFP, tears in her eyes, the colors of Ukraine painted on her cheeks.
“When they (the Russians) arrived, it was horrible, we didn’t know what would happen the next day, if we would get out alive,” testifies the high school student, still “in shock.”
“I told my children that it is good that we are free and we all cried,” rejoices Artem Lukiv, 41, a Kherson resident who took refuge in Kyiv. “We’ve been waiting for this moment for nine months,” he breathes.
Source: BFM TV
